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Slip distribution of the 2011 northeast Japan earthquake estimated from GPS data. The maximum slip reaches more than 30 m. Red crosses represent observation points. Introduction to the Division of Earth and Planetary Sciences Solid Earth Science Department of Geophysics Department of Geology and Mineralogy Hydrospheric and Atmospheric Physics The Department of Geophysics includes solid earth sciences, hydrospheric and atmospheric physics and geoelectromagnetics. The research subjects include the earth’s core, mantle, crust, ocean, atmosphere and interplanetary space. We approach the dynamics of various phenomena in the geosphere by means of ground observation, remote sensing using satellites, numerical experiments and theoretical studies. The Department of Geology and Mineralogy focuses on the historical and material-based geosciences. We put importance on natural evidence of the earth’s evolutionary history and long time scale phenomena. Rocks, minerals, fossils and the strata bearing them are investigated through field surveys and indoor analyses and experiments. The educational curriculum is planned so as to systematically learn the advanced techniques of surveys and analysis. Educational Curriculum Geodesy and Physics of Crustal Movements The purpose of modern geodesy is to know the shape of the earth, its gravitational field, parameters of the earth’s rotation and their temporal changes. These themes have close relationships with other disciplines of earth and planetary sciences. We observe the whole earth by utilizing space geodetic techniques (GPS, InSAR, and satellite gravity mea- surement) and precise geodetic apparatus (altimeters, superconducting gravimeters, absolute gravimeters, and laser extensometers). Our research areas range from observation and data analysis to numerical simulations. Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior Why and how do large earthquakes occur? Can we forecast when and where the next earthquake will occur? What is the structure of the Earth's inte- rior? Our research aims to answer such questions with theory, observations, data analyses, numerical simulations and laboratory experiments. Seismol- ogy and Physics of the Earth’s interior are evolving disciplines with many unsolved problems. We welcome all those that want to challenge these exciting aspects of seismology. Crustal Geophysics and Active Tectonics Active Tectonics is concerned with Quaternary and ongoing crustal deformation and earthquakes, with their resultant landforms and geologic structures. We especially focus on inland active faults responsible for epicentral earthquakes and plate-boundary faults which cause mega-thrust earthquakes around ocean trenches. The research aims are to clarify the faulting histories and to make long-term forecasts. Studies of strong motion aim to understand the mechanisms of generation and propagation of ground motions from earthquake faults. Our research subjects are the analysis and modeling of seismic wave generation during propagation of fault rupture; seismic wave propagation in the Earth's crust and sedimentary basins; and seismic wave amplification according to basement structures. The results of this research are used to find a reasonable method for prediction of strong ground motions. Meteorology, Climate Physics, and Atmospheric Physics The target of our observational, analytical, experi- mental, and theoretical research is the atmosphere which is 100 km in thickness from the ground surface. There are four major fields. Atmospheric physics and chemistry intend to understand the thermal structure, circulation and chemical composition of the atmosphere. The mechanisms of the formation and changes of climate are studied in climate system science. Atmospheric disaster and environ- mental sciences aim to understand and predict atmospheric disasters and environmental changes. Geophysical fluid dynamics deals with the motion of rotating or stratified fluid. Geotectonics Geotectonics deals with solid earth phenomena on a global scale and the timescale of the earth’ s history. Recent interests are radioactive dating, isotope analysis, and deformation mechanisms of fault rocks. The research methods are mainly obser- vations and measurements during field work, indoor analyses and experiments using rock samples, employing modeling and theories to support them. Our research and education are at the forefront of the field of geotectonics. We aim to substantially clarify multiple aspects of geotectonic phenomena. Material Science of the Earth The petrology group focuses on metamorphic and igneous rocks, including mantle peridotite. By chemically analyzing rock-forming minerals and fluid inclusions, and through field work and theo- retical studies, we aim to understand the correla- tion between temperature, pressure, time, defor- mation and fluid activity in the rocks formed at convergent plate boundaries in order to take on the challenge of understanding the magnificent dynamics of the solid earth. The mineralogy group focuses on the properties and origins of rock-forming minerals as primary components of the earth and other planets. We aim to understand mineral forming processes and thermal/stress histories after their formation, based on observations, analysis, experimental and theo- retical studies of crystal structure, chemical compo- sition and microstructure of minerals. Historical Geoscience of the Biosphere Historical Geoscience of the Biosphere aims to understand the evolutionary history of the Earth's biosphere - the shallow part and the surface of the planet - which includes organisms and their habi- tats. For this purpose sedimentary rocks, which cover 90% of the Earth's surface, are important because they yield fossils and are by themselves archives of historical records. This group encom- passes the evolutionary history of organisms (paleontology); deformations of the lithosphere (structural geology); dynamics of landforms and stratigraphic sequences (sedimentology); and environmental changes (paleoenvironmentology) by means of geological field work, sample analysis, theoretical and experimental approaches. Earth and Planetary Electromagnetism Physical Volcanology Physical Volcanology aims to clarify the whole process of eruption, including magma formation and upwell, through geophysical methods based on seismology, geodesy, geothermal science and electromagnetics. Kyoto University internationally leads this research field. Our study themes are as follows. - What occurs before volcanic eruption? - What occurs during volcanic eruption? - How diverse is the volcanic process and what controls it? Environmental Geoscience We aim to understand the present state and history of the environment at the earth’s surface (mainly on land), which is the sphere of human activity. Japanese islands are subject to some of the most active tectonic deformation on earth, causing landslide disasters frequently occur at steep slopes located everywhere from high moun- tains to plains. Our target is the process of such ground surface deformations. Physical Hydrology We are researching the processes of hydrological circulation around the ground surface, mass trans- port, and steep slope collapse by various methods of physics, chemistry, geomorphology, and hydrol- ogy. Our laboratories for education and research are located in Beppu (Institute for Geothermal Sciences) and Uji (Disaster Prevention Research Institute). Geothermal Sciences Experimental and theoretical research is performed to understand various phenomena caused by the earth's internal heat source. We have the Institute for Geothermal Sciences and the Aso Volcanological Laboratory in central Kyushu Island, where volcanic and geothermal activities are prominent. The Kyoto branch office is also used. Analytical instruments and observatories for seismic waves, crustal deformation, electromagne- tism and geothermal heat facilitate the research activities. Physical Oceanography By investigating the physical mechanisms of oceanic phenomena through observation, theory and numerical modeling, we intend to understand the roles of oceans in the formation and change of the earth’s climate. The unknown aspects of oceanic phenomena can be revealed by means of up-to-date tech- niques such as analysis of data acquired by satel- lites, ships, and buoys; analysis of turbulent flow through precise numerical modeling; and assimila- tion experiments. Solar-Planetary Physics and Geomagnetism We study various phenomena in the wide area from the Earth’s core to distant planets, including the ocean, atmosphere, ionosphere, magneto- sphere and solar wind, based on electromagnetism and plasma physics. For example, we study the shock waves in solar wind, magnetic storms and substorms, plasmas and waves in the magneto- sphere and the ionosphere, geomagnetic secular variation etc. We conduct observations both on the ground and on the deep sea floor, and we do remote sensing with radar and GPS, plasma particle and airglow measurements using satellites, computer simulation and data analysis. Cosmochemistry and Geochemistry We are trying to understand the early sequence of the Solar System, meteorites, planetesimals and the Earth’ s core, as well as to understand the crustal growth sequence and the origin and evolu- tion of the life. Our research is carried out through the elemental and isotopic analyses of various samples including rock, mineral, fluid and biochemical tissues. To achieve this, we are devel- oping a state-of-the-art technique for the elemen- tal analysis using high-power lasers and the mass spectrometry. The newly developed system is likely to become a favored method with many chemists or biochemists for the elemental analysis of industrial or biochemical samples due to its efficiency, versatility and user-friendliness. Here you can find the answer. Electromagnetism of the Earth’ s Interior We are addressing various problems in Solid Earth Sciences based on knowledge of modern electro- magnetism. Recent research topics are spatial distri- bution and temporal variations of the Earth's mag- netic field and natural electric potential, and electri- cal conductivity structure of the Earth’s crust and mantle. Field observation, not only on land but also at the seafloor or even in the air, is crucial to delin- eate seismic and/or volcanic activities around faults/volcanoes. We also place emphasis on numerical modeling/simulation in order to interpret the valuable field results. Gravity measurements at Showa Station, Antarctica. Eruption of Sakurajima A landslide and dammed lake. Time-series photographs of a crater lake of Aso volcano Large meander of Kuroshio captured by thermal infrared rays. Analog experiment of slope collapse with artificial rainfalls. Hurricane IOKE observed by Precipitation Radar (PR) and Visible Infrared Scanner (VIRS) onboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. Artist , s view of the magnetosphere (top) and satellite observations(botton) Resistivity structure to a depth of 20 km in the region of the 2007 Noto Peninsula Earthquake(Mw6.7).Aftershocks are shown by the black circles in the cross section on the left and site locations are shown on the right. “Black layer” implying ancient seismogenic frictional melting in pelitic mélange. Left: CL-image of diamond. Right: Thin-section photo of UHP eclogite. Left: normal faults and unconformity Center: Mt. Everest in Himalaya, Right: accumulated ammonites. The recent progress in Earth and Planetary Sciences is remarkable. We are investigating various phenomena in dynamic and wide ranges of spatio-temporal scale; for example, the evolutionary history of geosphere and biosphere for 4.6 billion years, global warming and environmental changes, crustal deformation and disaster prevention, and planetary observation and exploration. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of complex phenomena inside and outside the earth and to do pioneering and creative work, researchers are required to have general knowledge and to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as to have outstanding skills in their specialties. The Division of Earth and Planetary Sciences thus promotes both unique studies in each discipline and multidisciplinary education and cooperative research activities. The Integrated Earth Science Hub was established in 2008 for such a purpose. Our division consists of two departments. For master course students of the graduate school, lectures and seminars are held so that they possess fundamental knowledge, methods of research, and problem-solving powers. Supervisors support them in research activities for their master’s thesis. The doctor course nurtures independent scientists who can lead the way in advancing earth and planetary sciences. Students are required to design and perform their own research and to present the results to the scientific community. Joint studies, pioneering works, and outreach activities are also valued. This section introduces the educational curriculum for undergraduate (Earth and Planetary Science course, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University) and graduate (Division of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University) students. The guiding principles of our education are the respect of student autonomy, gradual specialization, and the cultivation of a broad perspective. Undergraduate students in their 1st and 2nd years are recommended to take Liberal Arts Courses including fundamental scientific lectures in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Students can also take introductory courses in earth and planetary sciences. In the 3rd year, students registered for the Earth and Planetary Science Course are advised to take “Laboratory and Field Works” which provides basic skills for subsequent research. In the 4th year, students are supposed to take the “Special Study Course” (graduate research), where they are supervised by teachers. Kyoto University Faculty of Science, Graduate School of Science Division of Earth and Planetary Sciences Department of Geophysics Department of Geology and Mineralogy Data Analysis Center for Geomagnetism and Space Magnetism Institute for Geothermal Sciences Beppu Headquarters Aso Volcanological Laboratory Kyoto Branch Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere Disaster Prevention Research Institute Kyoto University Museum Integrated Earth Science Hub Geology and Mineralogy 1st and 2nd years 3rd year 4th year Undergraduate Graduate Master Course (2 years) Doctor Course (3 years) Geology and Mineralogy Solid Earth Science Hydrospheric and Atmospheric Physics Earth and Planetary Electromagnetism Geology and Mineralogy Solid Earth Science Hydrospheric and Atmospheric Physics Earth and Planetary Electromagnetism Special Study Course (Earth and Planetary Sciences) Advanced Courses Special Study Course (Earth and Planetary Sciences) Advanced Courses Laboratory and Field Works in Earth and Planetary Sciences Basic Courses Advanced Courses Laboratory and Field Works in Earth and Planetary Sciences Liberal Arts Courses Liberal Arts Courses (Introductory Courses) (Introductory Courses) Basic Courses Advanced Courses Training course of geological field survey bachelors masters doctors 100 % 50 0 master course (our division) master course (other universities) employed employed as teacher, researcher or technician employed (others) doctor course (our division) doctor course (other universities) employed (educational and research institutes) including postdoc fellows employed (others) Careers of graduates (averaged for three years from 2007 to 2009) Career after graduation About 75% of graduates from our Earth and Planetary Science Course choose to go to graduate schools. Most of the others get jobs at public offices, schools, manufacturers, financial companies, etc. A quarter of graduates from our master course proceed to a doctor course. About half of the rest gets jobs as teaching, technical, and research staff at education and research institutes, public offices, and enterprises. Most of the others are employed at various companies. Nearly 70% of graduates from our doctor course continue to belong to educational or research institutes as teachers or researchers. They mainly become postdoctoral fellows and concentrate on research activities before getting academic positions or other full-time jobs. The rest are mostly employed at general companies and public offices. Annual schedule Kyoto University adopts a semester system: 1st semester runs from April to September and 2nd semester from October to March. Outreach events are occasionally held throughout the year. Check our web site for accurate schedule and details (http://www.eps.sci.kyoto-u.ac.jp/). Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. 1st semester 1st semester 2nd semester 2nd semester Open laboratory “Wegener Festival” Guidance for entrance exam (master course) Entrance exam (master course) Entrance ceremony and guidance Entrance exam (doctor course) Open campus Campus festival “November Festival” Commencement and graduation ceremonies Surface rupture fault during the Fukushima prefecture earthquake on April 11, 2011.
